Master Stephen Co, author of Your Hands Can Heal You, was a student of Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui for two decades and a senior instructor at the World Pranic Healing Organization. Co-author Eric B. Robins, MD is a board-certified urologist and surgeon. Together they bring us The Power of Prana: Breathe Your Way to Health and Vitality.

Having attempted breathing techniques in martial arts and meditation practice, I was most interested in the specific exercises themselves and skimmed the introduction to the theory, history and justification of the approach, which takes up the first half of the book - A Spiritual and Energetic Framework for the Contemporary World, and Building Your Energetic Foundation.

Dr. Robins asserts that the root of low energy is 'our lack of understanding regarding the true nature of our energy, or what other cultures call our life force, chi (in China), or prana (in India).' Stephen Co introduces the first half of the book as 'the philosophical and practical underpinnings of the Nine Energizing Breaths' and suggests that it can be skipped by those wanting to get right to the exercises.

However it is worth going through, in particular for the explanation of the mechanics of Pranic Breathing, including different Rhythm and Retention techniques. There are also healthy Dietary Recommendations, summarized in the simple rule: 'eat closer to the primary sources of energy', and a set of simple (and fast) Cleansing Physical Exercises.

The second half of the book addresses The Nine Energizing Breaths, and Advanced Practices for Enhanced Purification and Sustained Energy. Guidance is given on how often (and when) to practice, and techniques are explained along with photographs showing each stage. The final section on advanced practices addresses Meditation, supplemental exercises, and a suggested Daily Routine.

Most people interested in these breathing techniques would probably do better taking a course. But those with the commitment and self-discipline needed to explore it on their own will find The Power of Prana an excellent resource and guide.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.